Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Google Pixel 9
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the premium option here, offering a stunning 6.8" Super Actua display that peaks at 3,000 nits brightness. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 9, while smaller at 6.3", still packs a punch with a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. In real-world use, the Pro XL's larger screen makes a noticeable difference for media consumption and gaming. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.3" and Battery: 5060 mAh vs 4700 mAh.
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel 9
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Google Pixel 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(986)Amazon | ★4.5(1,044)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Google Tensor G4 |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 12GB LPDDR5X |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.3" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) |
Screen Type | Super Actua LTPO OLED | Actua OLED Display |
Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi | 1080 x 2424 pixels (FHD+), 422 ppi |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 60–120Hz (Smooth Display) |
Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) | 1,800 nits (HDR) / 2,700 nits (Peak) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) |
Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) | 2x Optical Quality (via sensor crop) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom | Up to 8x Super Res Zoom |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@24/30/60fps; 10-bit HDR |
Front Camera | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF | 10.5MP Front (f/2.2, 95° FOV), Dual PD AF |
Battery | 5,060 mAh (Typical) | 4,700 mAh (Typical) |
Wired Charging | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | Up to 27W (charges up to 55% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) |
Wireless Charging | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | Up to 15W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by model); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; Dual Band GNSS |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 | USB Type-C 3.2 |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) | IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back); Fingerprint-resistant coating |
Dimensions | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) | 6.0" x 2.8" x 0.3" (152.8 x 72.0 x 8.5 mm) |
Weight | 7.80 oz (221 g) | 7.0 oz (198 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; VPN by Google One; Car Crash Detection |
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 7-year software support commitment
- • Super Actua display is exceptionally bright (3,000 nits peak)
- • Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom and high-res 42MP selfie camera
- • Deep AI integration with Gemini and exclusive features like Video Boost
- • Premium build with uniform bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
✗ Cons:
- • 8K video recording is not native on-device (requires cloud-based Video Boost processing)
- • UFS 3.1 storage is slower than the UFS 4.0 standard found in competitors
- • Heavy gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals
- • Charging speed (37W max) is slower than many flagship peers
- • Optical fingerprint sensor replaced by ultrasonic, but still requires good placement
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Google Pixel 9
✓ Pros:
- • Compact and premium design with satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- • Bright Actua display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness
- • Industry-leading 7-year software update commitment
- • Excellent dual-camera system with Macro Focus on the ultrawide lens
- • Includes useful AI features like Add Me, Best Take, and Gemini integration
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks a dedicated telephoto lens (zoom limited to 8x Super Res Zoom)
- • Charging speed (27W wired) is slower than many competitors
- • Base storage starts at 128GB with UFS 3.1 (slower than UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G4 performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw benchmarks
- • Display refresh rate bottoms out at 60Hz (not LTPO 1–120Hz like Pro models)
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Which one is better?
Grab the Google Pixel 9 if you prefer a lighter phone at 7.00oz and want to save some cash.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you need a larger 6.8" display for movies, you want the longer-lasting 5,060mAh battery, or you take a lot of photos with its advanced 50MP triple camera.
Choose the Google Pixel 9 if: you prefer a compact 6.3" design, you want a phone that's lighter at 7.00oz, or you’re looking for a more budget-friendly flagship.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL excels if you value industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. Google Pixel 9 is better if you prioritize compact and premium design with satin metal frame and gorilla glass victus 2. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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